Winger sidesteps pain barrier

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Wests Tigers winger Pat Richards needed six pain-killing
injections to take his place in last night's historic grand final
win over North Queensland. Richards, who feared he had suffered a
second fracture in his right ankle in as many years in the previous
weekend's defeat of St George Illawarra, defied medical opinion to
play a starring role in the 30-16 win.

For his efforts, Richards was rewarded with the try that broke
the Cowboys four minutes before half-time after a spectacular break
by Benji Marshall from the Tigers line.

Tigers officials revealed they had not been certain he would
play until 60 minutes before kick-off when he had the first needle.
"I had six needles but I'm glad I got through it. It's the best
feeling ever, I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world. Once
I got out there and heard the crowd and the adrenaline kicked in I
didn't really feel it."